Home-DzineIt’s all about caring for and improving your home

December 2010

happy ‘outdoors’ holidays

online

In this issue ...• Quick ‘n easy Christmas crafts • Before & after makeovers• Party on the patio • Concrete heaven • Make a bathroom cabinet and more...

Makeit

Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen. All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Image and content credits:meredith publishing - good homes - family handyman - sunset publishing - popular mechanic - house & home - georgia pacific- expert village - channel4 - pottery barn - flikr - nkba - resene - mitre10 - lowes and any others.

Do it!

This is it girls (and guys!)... last issue for this year and we focus on spending the holidays outdoors in the garden - if you’re not going away.

I’m going to be spending my ‘holiday’ adding the new DIY Divas workshops and putting together a whole range of projects for next year.

PLUS, the DIY for Divas and DIY vir Divas books are launching next year and I need to finish up. You won’t want to miss those - they are going to be packed with comprehensive information - sort of a DIY Divas encyclopaedia if you will.

Enjoy!

Janice

a word or two Great DIY projects lined up for 2011

www.diy-divas.co.za

Home-Dzine and Home-

Dzine Online wish all our subscribers a

Blessed Festive Season.

Home-Dzine and Home-

Dzine Online wish all our subscribers a

Blessed Festive Season.

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Time to unpack all your festive decorations to dress up the home - and the Christmas tree.

Keep your family - and your home - safe this festive season by replacing old-style lights with energy efficient and safe LEDlighting.

We’ve got 3 sets of Lumi Fairy Lights supplied by Lumi to

giveaway.

Visit the Lumi website and send us an email that explains why LED

lights are safe for your home.

Did you know that a large majority of Christmas lights on sale do not meet international safety standards and a whopping one third of these are likely to electrocute you or burn down your home, according to a recent European survey. In the most dangerous cases, lighting systems were sold with insufficient wiring or insulation, creatinga direct danger of electric shock or sparking and fire.

Conventional or LED?In conventional incandescent bulbs heat is generated when the filamentwarms up. This is totally wasted energy. LEDs

generate very little heat and less power is required

to generate light - a more energy efficient way of lighting.

Don’t buy cheapA well-known saying is that “You get what you pay for!” In 99.99% of the case this is so true. When it comes to your family’s safety, expect to pay more for a set of good quality lights that are manufactured

ChristmasWish

Giveaway

in accordance with safety regulations. Not only are they safe, they will also last much longer than those of inferior quality.

www.led-lights.co.za

quick ‘n easyChristmas

Crafts

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quick ‘n easyChristmas

CraftsMake your own snow globes from recycled materials.

You will need:Glass jars - baby food jars are perfect!Plastic cake ornamentsRust-Oleum Painters Touch - silver GlitterGlycerinDistilled waterSilicone sealer

1. Clean the jars and remove any labels. Peanut butter or WD-40 helps remove stubborn labels.

2. Spray paint the jar lids in your desired colour. Do this outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Lay down newspaper to avoid a mess. Hold the can 30cm away and lightly spray. Let dry.

3. Use a blob of silicone sealer to glue your ornament to the inside of the lid and leave to dry overnight.

4. Add some glitter to each of the jars. Don’t go overboard - you only need a small amount to create a nice effect.

5. Fill each jar to three-quarters full with distilled water and add a drop of glycerin. The glycerin lets the glitter float nicely whenshaken. You don’t fill up the jar - you need toallow for the ornament.

6. Apply a light layer of silicone around the rim of the jar before screwing on the lid.

After 24 hours, flip the snowglobes over so thelids are on the bottom and the figurines are right-

side-up and shake gently

Recycled Snow BulbsUse a Dremel MultiTool and accessory SC545 Diamond Cutting Wheel to cut off the contact end of the lightbulb.

Safety firstWear safety glasses and gloves when doing any cutting projects.

Wrap the lightbulb in an old tea towel to hold while you cut with the Dremel. Remove broken filament bits still attached to the bulb with pliers.

Now follow steps 3 to 6 for snow globes to finishoff your Snow Bulbs.

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Package your gifts in a festive wrapper that is oh so easy to make.

You will need:Pastel cardstockScissorsCraft knife and cutting matRulerPencilEmbellishments and ribbonBrown water pencil (or brown eyeliner)Double sided tape

FestiveWrapper

Here’s how:1. Print out the template on the next page

and enlarge to your desired size. You can make your festive wrapper as large as needed - to package a wine bottle for example.

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2. Cut out the template with scissors and a craft knife - on a cutting mat.

3. Score along the dotted lines with a blunt point and fold.

4. Join the wrapper by applying double-sided tape to the outside of the flap and stickingto the underside edge of the first side.

5. Distress the outside edges with a brown water pencil smudge to a soft effect.

6. Embellish your wrapper with ribbons, wrapping paper, old card offcuts - use your imagination.

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Handcraftedgift box

This beautiful gift box is a gift on its own. Perfect for small items, or make a bigger box and pop in home made goodies.

You will need:Taupe cardstock or vellumScissorsRulerPencilEmbellishments and ribbonBrown water pencil (or brown eyeliner)Double sided tape

Handcraftedgift box

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Here’s how:1. Print out the template above and en-

large to your desired size.

2. Cut out the template with scissors or a craft knife - on a cutting mat.

3. Score along the dotted lines with a blunt point and fold.

4. Join the box by applying double-sided

tape to the outside of the small tabs and sticking to the underside edge of the large flaps - see above.

5. Distress the outside edges with a brown water pencil smudge to a soft effect.

6. Embellish your wrapper with ribbons, wrapping paper, old card offcuts - use your imagination.

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Discount Decorating

There are so many ways to spice up old furniture that you can save a fortune by re-using what you have, shopping on the cheap or thinking of new ways to use household items.

My personal favourite is to attend the occasional home auction. It’s so easy to pick up fantastic bargains. The trick is to look closely at pieces and use your imagination to see what can be done to give new life and purpose to items.

PREVIOUS PAGE: In this living room big expanses of empty wall space make artwork appear tiny and misplaced. The colour palette could use some perking up, too.

Don’t blow your credit card on high-end purchases when you can shop local home auctions, classifieds andsecondhand stores for bargain finds.

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RIGHT: Add mirrors to old windows and plate fronts to design your own inaffordable wall art. You can pick up old china and the like for practically nothing at home auctions and secondhand shops. Lightly sand them down and spray with Rust-Oleum 2X Painters Touch and have mirrors cut to size. Most glass and mirror suppliers will cut glass and mirror for you.

MORE IDEASStack old suitcases or makeover an old trunk and use as a side table.

RIGHT and BELOW: Transform an old cabinet door into a coffee table or tray.

BELOW: If you manage to find oldsuitcases, give them a good wipe

clean with a mild solution of Jik and warm water with a slightly damp cloth. Pop the suitcase

outside to dry off in the sun. This will kill any mould or mildew

inside the suitcase.

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ENLIGHTENED IDEAThink out of the proverbial box for your lighting needs. These days you can make a stylish table lamp with almost anything.

TOP RIGHT: A glass bottle is given new purpose as a decorative table lamp. Pieces of sand glass were added to the bottle before topping off with a lamp fittingand shade. You can use epoxy glue to securely fasten the lamp fitting to the top ofthe bottle.

GO GREENWherever possible shop for reclaimed, recycled, repurposed, and renewable materials for your project.

RECLAIMEDUsually in reference to wood, reclaimed means the wood has not been taken from a live-growth tree but from an existing source -- think old buildings, sleepers, or trees that were already fallen and dead.

RECYCLEDAnything that has been created from an existing product is recycled.

REPURPOSEDSimilar to recycled, a repurposed item is anything used for something other than its original job. (A DIYer’s dream come true!)

RENEWABLEThis refers to materials made from plants that are quick-growing and easily replaceable. Think bamboo, cotton, hemp, and linen.

BOTTOM RIGHT: If you live at the coast, chances are you have a piece of driftwood somewhere in your home or garden. For those far from the coast you can repurpose blocks of wood just as easily.

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Dark stained tongue-and-groove panelling smothered the walls of this patio. The dated wood treatment didn’t help bring the outdoors inside. Instead, the room felt enclosed when it should have been sunny and open.

The blah concrete floor got low marks inthe style department.

Even though huge windows lined the walls, the southern exposure didn’t let in much sunshine. Time to devise a way to brighten and lighten the space.

A few coats of white paint immediately woke up the walls. The new neutral background also provided a blank canvas for pops of bright, vivid colours. Splashes of orange, green, red, blue, and raspberry on the furniture and walls liven up the room. Plush cushions and functional furniture create an inviting space for coffee and conversation.

The concrete floor was given a completelynew look with composite decking - a durable synthetic decking material designed to weather whatever Mother Nature throws at it. The advantage of composite decking is that it looks like wood without the constant upkeep and cost. That means no rotting and no deterioration. Plus, it’s splinter-free! Don’t be afraid to go barefoot on warm summer days. Installation is simple, even for beginners.

To install you have 2 options:1. On an existing level surface you can

install directly onto the floor.

2: For uneven floors, use pine beams -planed or sanded - to create a level sub-floor. This easy DIY project lets you putyour feet up after you’ve finished it.

Pretty Patio

ABOVE: To soften the look and make a patio feel more comfortable, add rugs

in harmonising colours. Washable rugs can easily be popped into the washing

machine or soaked in the bath for cleaning.

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PALLET COFFEE TABLE

Stop by any warehouse or supply company that has a receiving dock, or visit a pallet recycling centre and ask for two half-pallets. Now make your own unique coffee table.

You will need:PalletsCut screwsDrill-Driver and assorted bits

Here’s how:1. Secure the two half-pallets together, one

atop the other, using wood screws. Sand with 120- and then 180-grit sandpaper to remove roughness and loose splinters

2. Cut a top and base to size from PG Bison SupaWood. Screw to the top and bottom of the pallets. On the top, countersink the screw holes.

3. Frame the top using moulding strips or quarter-rounds, mitring the corners, if desired.

4. Paint it your desired colour and let dry.

5. Add some wheels to the bottom for mobility, and there you have it.

RIGHT: Chinese lanterns are perfect for patios and parties and cost R20 each from

www.lightalantern.co.za

PREVIOUS PAGE: Secondhand wicker chairs are given a new look with Rust-Oleum 2X Painters Touch in Satin Green Apple and Satin Slate Blue.

APPLIQUE THE EASY WAY

This fun project is a simple and inexpensive way to breathe new life into plain old cush-ions. All you have to do is applique a fabric cutout onto a pillow or pillow cover. For those of you who don’t own a sewing ma-chine, use iron-on webbing to stick the cut outs onto the cushion cover.

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DIY WALL ART

You don’t have to only have art indoors. Bring creativity outside!

This spin on classic silhouettes creates a customised, cohesive grouping of fun art that can dress up any patio wall.

You will need:12mm SupaWood cut to sizesAcrylic sealerTape measurePicture hangersWrapping paperCrafts knifeCutting matWhite PVA glue or ModPodgeFoam rollerWhite cardstock

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Here’s how:

1. Have all your pieces of PG Bison SupaWood cut to size at your local Builders Warehouse.

2. Apply 3 coats of sealer to the boards to provide protection from moisture, especially on a patio.

3. Cut the wrapping paper to fit on the topof each of the cut boards.

4. Apply glue to the top of each board with a foam roller and carefully place the wrapping paper onto the glued surface. Start at the top or bottom and use your fingers to press out any bubbles to thesides; let dry.

5. Use a craft knife and cutting mat to cut silhouettes of desired motifs from white cardstock. You can find plenty ofinteresting designs on the Internet.

6. Apply glue to the back of the motifs and glue the motifs on top of the papered boards. Let dry, and hang.

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Asian-Inspired OasisThis Asian-inspired outdoor room is secluded behind a bamboo privacy fence. A capiz-

shell pendant hangs from the peak of a canopy, adding visual interest and drawing

focus toward the centre of the space. A sheer white curtain billows along the edge of the deck, further defining the space as

intimate, yet sun-filled.

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Exotic EscapeThis outdoor retreat, screened with curtains, was designed using decorative items more

typically found indoors, such as area rugs, pillows and candles, to give this

space a real-room feel.

Tie-dyed fabric, in colours that match the cushions, add a colourful ‘wow’ factor. Large and small washers are

sprayed with Rust-Oleum antique bronze for an effect.

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Concrete Heaven

PatioParty

BLIND AMBITIONInstead of whipping out finelinens for your next party on the patio, try something a bit more durable.

Here, a panel of bamboo blinds is repurposed as a tablecloth. Not only will it hold up outside, it blends in naturally with its surroundings.

LEAF RUNNERDon’t waste time or money on table settings when you can find them rightoutside your door. These hosta leaves are placed one on top of the other to create the effect of vibrant fabric. Flower petals are another pretty alternative, as it using fabric paint to make your own table runner.

DRESS UP CANDLESCandles add ambience to any setting. Try this simple trick to transform discount-store candles from plain to pretty. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of crafts store confetti inside candleholders for a punch of colour and a bit of sparkle. Then wrap inexpensive beaded bracelets or hair-ties around pillar candles.

More cool tips for a hot party.

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With not much more than a concrete slab and a patch of grass to go on, this homeowner transformed his garden into a stylish outdoor retreat. See how he did it, and get great cost-cutting ideas for your own patio project.

Homeowner, Scott Johnson knew his garden had potential. And he had a plan. The tiny patch of grass behind his home would be plain no longer! Scott created an outdoor retreat for his friends and family.

Concrete Heaven

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BREAKING BOUNDARIES

With a plan in mind, homeowner Scott Johnson got to work extending his existing concrete patio. First, he created a level surface on the sloping ground by digging out and removing the soil. After all, no one likes a wobbly chair when balancing a plate of picnic food! A retaining wall helped solve this problem.

Here’s how:First, use stakes to indicate the positioning for the new wall. Now get digging! Scott dug 20cm-deep trenches for his walls. Use a spirit level or a string line to ensure a solid wall base and to correct placement of other blocks as you keep stacking. You will find decorative bricks at your local garden centre, nursery or Builders Warehouse.

WATER-READYA flexible plastic tube - such as pool pipe- was placed along the length of the retaining wall to drain water away from the block wall.

FILL IT INDon’t put down the spade yet! After you have finished digging out space for the newpatio, it’s time to start filling it in. Compact thesoil around the blocks and top off with 8 to 10 cm of crushed stone.

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The once cold and cramped space is now a patio with room for a table for 10. But no space is complete without some personal touches.

Mix things up to make your space more interesting. The use of wood, concrete, and plastic materials includes contrasting textures that give the space depth. The almost neon pops of colour from the chairs and rug stand out against the natural shades.

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DOWN FLAT

For any new patio project, it’s easy to create a flat surface by compressing gravelwith a rented tamper. Running a plank over the surface when you’re done creates a smooth finish. Be sure to pick out any largestones that may affect the stability of the laid pavers.

LAY THE GROUNDWORK

Affordable concrete pavers were used to create a visually interesting and flat patiosurface. Stakes and pine battens as spacers helped organize the blocks perfectly while they were laid. As a finishing touch, riverrock was poured into the cracks between the blocks -- just like grout in bathroom or kitchen tile jobs.

DIY Tip:For tricky blocks that must be cut to a specific size you will need to use an anglegrinder to cut the blocks to size.

DINE OUTDOORS

What’s a meal outdoors without a picnic table? This DIY project is a spin on a classic patio essential.

Here’s how:1. Cut pine or meranti 50 x 100s and 100

x 100s to the desired length. Lay the boards on a level surface, placing tile spacers between the boards, until you reach the desired width.

2. Cut several 50 x 100s approximately 30mm shorter than the width of the tabletop. Place these braces evenly along the length of the table (here, fivewere used). Use deck screws to hold in place on the bottom of the tabletop. Remove the spacers and set the top on a base.

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GREAT LEGS

Reclaimed chimney flues form thelegs of this modern picnic table - you could also use large planter pots or cement fibre columns.

PLANTER PLUMBING

Usually, the only colourful things popping out of sewers are bright orange hard hats. Here, gorgeous greenery was planted inside stacked, precast concrete manholes.

PRIVACY PANEL

To get privacy without resorting to a heavy, light-blocking wall or major construction, use wood panels to build a privacy screen that offers privacy without blocking too much view.

Here’s how:1. Plan your panel arrangement. You’ll

need to dig holes approximately 300mm deep every 1800mm or so for the support posts.

2. Use treated timber and position the posts in the holes. Backfill with gravel andthen soil. Use a level to ensure posts are perpendicular as you backfill.

3. Starting at the top, attach pine boards with deck screws. Keep things perfectly horizontal by checking your progress frequently with a level.

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Turn an ordinary deck into an action-packed outdoor entertaining space.

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If you have a deck, a grill, and a bit of DIY creativity, you can create the ultimate outdoor space.

Perfect for entertaining, dining, relaxing, and playing, this supercharged deck is the perfect place to while away warm summer evenings.

Best of all? Each of these upgrades is budget-friendly! That leaves more money for appetizers and cocktails!

Multipurpose outdoor rooms are exploding in popularity. Before you begin building, discuss what you want from an outdoor room.

HOW WILL YOU USE IT?

If you like to entertain, plan for plenty of seating. If you have an active family, think about how the kids might utilise the space. Do you love outdoor cooking and grilling? Think counter space, storage, and cookware.

ABOVE: Choose composite decking, rather than treated, timber if you want virtually maintenance-free decking. Composite

comes in several colours and finishes, andit’s a breeze to install.

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connect the fixture to agarden hose.

Counter Matters

Carefully consider what material you use for the countertops in your new outdoor room.

Most ready-made countertops don’t weather well. We recommend natural materials, such as stone, granite, or slate.

Tight budget? No problem. Create forms and pour concrete. There are plenty of fun ways to embellish plain concrete. Press in small stones or stamp on cool designs. For upkeep, simply seal concrete twice a year.

Chillin’ Time

If you’ll be using your deck as a kitchen, save money with these tips.

Avoid the price tag of built-in cabinetry by using watertight plastic storage bins that tuck under the counter.

Cool Cooler

This smart wooden storage container fits perfectlyunderneath the counter. It conceals a cooler and features four storage compartments at the bottom for plates, bottles, silverware, and other dining essentials.

And it’s on wheels-so you can simply roll it to where the action is.

Reuse, Recycle

The sink water drains into a bucket stashed beneath the counter (and hidden behind a pretty fabric panel). Use the H20 to water thirsty patio plants and herbs.

Water Wise

An outdoor sink is a cinch to install. Most outdoor kitchens require only a cold-water connection, so you can

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Versatile Fabrics

Outdoor fabrics are essential for outdoor situations. These stain- and mould-resistant materials are designed to weather whatever Mama Nature throws at them.

The curtain panels behind the seating area are mounted on a ring system, so they can be pulled close for privacy.

Cool in the Shade

TOP RIGHT: These painted wood panels aren’t just pretty - they also provide

needed shade on sunny afternoons. Three separate panels allow air to circulate freely.

Happy Hour

Have cold drinks within reach and at the ready! This coffee table has a hole cut out to fit an ice bucket in the centre. Simply fillwith ice, pack in your fave beverages, and enjoy!

Bottle Chandelier

Get glowing! This easy DIY chandelier is made with a recycled biscuit tin lid surrounded by a ring of colourful glass bottles. It gets its glow power from inexpensive tea-light candles mounted on the tray and radiates a beautiful flickeringlight at night. Instant ambience!

You can easily make your own bottle chandelier on the next page.

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You will need:Drill-Driver and HSS drill bitsLarge tin lid or cake trayPlastic tiesGlass bottlesBraided framing wire (@ Builders Warehouse or lighting store)4 stainless-steel quick linksTwo S hooksTea-light Candles

Here’s how:1. Drill holes around the sides of the tray with

an HSS bit to secure the bottles, in the bottom so rain won’t collect, and near the top edge to suspend the chandelier.

2. Feed plastic ties through the side holes and tighten around the bottles, choosing bottles with a good curve to prevent them from slipping. If you can’t findcoloured bottles, fill clear bottles withwater and food colourant.

3. Loop four pieces of braided wire through the upper holes in the feed pan and secure with a stainless-steel quick link. Measure carefully so that all the wires are equal length. Feed the wire loops through S hooks and hang from an eye hook.

4. Fill the lid with candles. www.lightalantern.co.za

Silver or gold flickering LED tea lights with batteriesincluded (lasting over 40 hours). No flame and nosmoke, these are the perfect, safe alternative to

candles.

White tea lights with foil cups that burn for about 5 - 6 hours.

Ten white non-flammable, biodegradable candlelanterns with round perforations (excludes tea lights).

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It’s a routerExtremely lightweight yet powerful, the Dremel TRIO replaces a router for small, decorative projects.

• Add profiles to projects such as kitchencabinets, frames, furniture and more.

• Perform decorative scroll and fret work in a variety of materials.

• Cut slots and dado’s in timber and board for easy joints.

Now you can cut, sand and rout - all in one with the easy to use Dremel TRIO.

Cut wood, plastic, sheet metal, wall tile and more without switching tools. The unique 360-degree cutting technology and plunge-cut ability allows users to make quick and controlled cuts.

It’s a cutterExtremely lightweight yet powerful, the Dremel TRIO replaces a router for small, decorative projects.

• Start your cut wherever you want because Dremel Trio cutting bits let you make quick and easy plunge cuts anywhere in the work piece.

• The pivoting handle on the Dremel Trio can be positioned straight-up or at a 90-degree angle for superior tool control and maximum comfort.

• The multi-purpose cutting bit included with the Dremel Trio lets you cut a variety of materials using only one bit.

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Bathrooms always seem to attract clutter, mostly due to the fact that so few bathrooms have enough storage to pack away bathroom essentials such as toiletries and towels.

Make this stylish bathroom storage set in a day and pack away your bathroom essentials.

Using white melamine shelving or PG Bison SuperLam and PG Bison Melawood for the doors, you can easily assemble and mount this space-saving cabinet in a small bathroom.

Storage with Style

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You will need:16mm supawood cut to sizes: - 4 of 300 x 368mm - top/bottom - 2 of 300 x 400mm - sides for small cabinet - 2 of 300 x 800mm - sides for large cabinet - 1 of 300 x 368mm - inner shelf16mm BisonLam or SupaLam cut to sizes: - 1 of 400 x 400mm - small door - 1 of 400 x 800mm - large doorEdging stripContact adhesiveCorner clampsDrill/driver and assorted drill and screw bitsCountersink bit4 x 30mm cut screwsWood glue and wood filler35mm Forstner bit4 concealed hinges (35mm) and screwsMultisander or Orbital sander120- and 240-grit sanding padsProminent Paints Sheen - whiteFoam roller and paint tray

Here’s how:1. Clamp the top/sides and bottom/sides together

to create the boxes. Use a bead of wood glue on all the edges before screwing together. You will need to drill pilot holes and countersink all holes.

2. Fill all holes with wood filler and leave to dry.

3. Sand all holes with 120-grit and then 240-grit. Also send cut edges of supawood with 240-grit to prepare for painting. Wipe clean.

4. Paint the outside of the boxes with white sheen paint. You will need to apply 2 to 3 coats, allowing drying time between coats.

5. Glue edging strip to front edges of both boxes and both door edges.

6. Measure in 5mm at one side of the small and large door to use a Forstner bit in an impact drill or router to drill out for the hinges. Attach hinge to back of doors.

7. Hold the doors against the cabinet to mark holes for drilling the hinge plate to the inside frame. Drill pilot holes and attach hinge plate. Attach hinge to hinge plate. Make any adjustments by setting the screws on the hinge.