The Wave Magazine » Home & Design

Basic Box Making & Laser Inlay

Editor — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:43:27 +0000

It feels good to build something with your own two hands, especially when you’re building something from nothing. Sadly, busy, modern times don’t allow most of us to make more than a turkey sandwich. But that is not the end of the line! Classes are available to get us in and out in no time at all with the knowledge to build something. The Sawdust Shop in Sunnyvale, for instance, will teach you how to make your very own hinged wooden box in a two-day workshop. After building the box, you’ll also learn how to add a laser inlay and apply a beautiful oil finish. And you don’t need to worry if you’ve never worked with wood – this class is designed for the total beginner. Classes take place May 31 and June 2.

The Sawdust Shop, 452 Oakmead Pkwy., Sunnyvale www.sawdustshop.com

The Rug Doctor

Editor — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:42:44 +0000

by Chris Schmauch

The Oriental rugs in your living room and dining rooms are filthy and fraying, right? But that doesn’t mean you need to replace them; it just means you need to clean them. However, you really can’t trust a standard carpet cleaner to take on the job. Your rug was expensive, and you like it, so you need experts to preserve it for you. Those experts are the folks at Global Rug Specialist. They offer hand washing, repair services, restoration, appraisals and even instructions on how to properly conserve your beautiful rug. The best perk? You won’t have to worry about rolling up your rug and dragging it in. The Global Rug Specialist offers free pick-up and delivery.

Global Rug Specialist, 825 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View (888) 488-4RUG www.globalrug.com

Children of the Sun

Editor — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:07:56 +0000

Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness the power and energy of the sun? Holy crap, we can! If you’re thinking about jumping on the solar edge to naturally produce your own energy (and save money), we suggest you visit one of the solar experts listed below:

Akeena Solar, 605 Unviersity Ave., Los Gatos www.akeena.com

Renewable Power Solutions, Inc., 2029 O’Toole Ave., San Jose www.solutionsforpower.com

The Solar Company, Multiple Bay Area locations www.thesolarco.com

Solfocus, 510 Logue Ave., Mountain View www.solfocus.com

Composting 101

Editor — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:59:30 +0000

iStockPhoto

If you’re a backyard farmer (or want to be a backyard farmer), you’re going to need some good ole compost to nurture a productive garden. Compost improves soil by encouraging the organisms and worms contained in it to break down the organics into nutrients, bringing life into the soil and ultimately supporting healthy plant growth. Don’t be alarmed if you’re not familiar with composting – it’s surprisingly simple to start and maintain a compost pile. Here are a few tips:

Location, location, location.

Though you may be proud of your compost pile, your neighbors might appreciate it if you keep it out-of-sight in your backyard. Keep it in a semi-shaded area to keep it from drying out.

Bin or Pile?

You’ll need to decide between a compost bin (either built by you or purchased) or a compost heap. Though either will get the job done, the bin is more pleasing to the eye. Suggested size is 3x3x3.

What goes in your compost?

Layer 1 (6-8 inches thick): Vegetable wastes, sod, grass clippings, leaves, hay, straw, newspaper, cardboard, untreated sawdust, twigs (as long as they’re less than 1/2-in. in diameter) and/or garden debris. Layer 2 (1-2 inches thick): Animal manure, fertilizers or organic matter. Layer 3 (1-2 inches thick): Top soil. Alternate layers 2 and 3 until the pile is about three feet tall.

Moisture.

Compost likes it, so you’ll need to give it a drink every now and then, but in moderation. You want the compost to be moist, but not sopping wet.

Oxygen.

Compost needs it. Give the compost a stir with a pitch fork about every two weeks.

When to use?

You’ll know your compost is ready for the garden when it resembles rich dark soil. Check the smell and the texture. Once it’s ready, mix it into your soil before planting.
Good Luck!

Spring Cleaning

Editor — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:44:59 +0000

By Chris Schmauch

So you have old computer monitors stuffed in the closet, a black and white TV collecting dust in the attic, old heavy laptops from the ‘90s under the bed and miscellaneous computer paraphernalia scattered about. Of course, you can’t use any of it, but you keep it because you know you can’t just pitch the stuff in your curbside garbage can. The answer is not to hoard the crap; the answer is to attend the free E-waste recycling event taking place at the Guadalupe River Parks Visitor & Recreation Center on April 24. This is your chance to finally unload the outdated desktops, PDAs, TVs, printers, VCRs, telephones, cell phones, already outdated iPods and any other old electronics taking up space in your home. After unloading your unwanted, you’ll likely feel so good that you’ll want to stick around for the 16th Annual Spring in Guadalupe Gardens event on the same day, which will feature workshops, lectures, children’s activities and plants for purchase.

Guadalupe River Parks Visitor & Recreation Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose (408) 298-7657 www.grpg.org

Going Native Garden Tour

Editor — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:42:58 +0000

By Chris Schmauch

We envy the folks who have the time and energy to perfect their gardens through digging, watering, pruning and chasing the gophers away. And every year we’re excited that gardening fanatics in the Santa Clara Valley, Peninsula and San Francisco Bay Area are willing to open up their little Edens for the public to visit. The Going Native Garden Tour on April 18 will feature close to 45 jaw-dropping gardens, most of which are in private homes, from 10am to 4pm. Whether you need some inspiration to get started (like we do) or want to check out the best of the best to steal ideas for your own garden, you won’t want to miss this event.

For more information visit www.goingnativegardentour.org

Common Ground Gardening Supply & Education Center

Editor — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:11:25 +0000

Jesse Cool's Garden, by Chris Schmauch

If you’re into the gardening scene or have just been intrigued with the idea of digging into Mother Earth and growing from her bounty, you’ll want to pay Common Ground Gardening a visit. In addition to being able to offer expert advice, they have a plethora of hands-on classes and events to help you turn your run-of-the-mill yard into a beautiful oasis. Class and event topics include backyard composting, planning, grafting, mini-farming, drip irrigation and lawn alternatives, amongst others. And they don’t only offer knowledge. They’ll also have everything you need to get started, from soil and shovels to friendly garden gnomes.

Common Ground Gardening Supply & Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto (650) 493-6072 www.commongroundinpaloalto.org

House Staging

Editor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:36:09 +0000

You’ve decided to sell your home, and you want to sell it fast and for your asking price, what do you do? You contact a professional home stager and let them go to work, or you can follow these important tips and do it yourself.

Depersonalize your home; remove all your family photos etc. You want potential buyers to view it as “their” home not yours.
De-clutter; the covers everything from your bobble head collection to furniture – if it’s no necessary get it out.
Don’t just focus on the inside; make sure the yard and flowers are well maintained and cheery.

For tons of more useful tips visit www.homestagingchannel.com

Going Green

Editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:35:51 +0000

It seems everyone in California has a phobia about taking care of their own lawn and would rather hire a legion of gardeners armed with gas-powered lawnmowers and ear-ringing blowers then actually do it themselves. It’s time to get your butt of the coach, mow your own lawn (we’re talking about 30-min), save money, save the environment and get some exercise. And the perfect weapon for your task is the Brill Razorcut 38 Push Reel Mower – yes it’s powered by people power. YOU! And just think, in a couple months your new mower will have paid for itself and you would have dropped 10lbs. $249.99 www.cleanairgardening.com

Frankly Great Shopping

Editor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:17:12 +0000

It’s kind of annoying when friends walk through your new pad and can identify the origin of every piece of furniture or decor. “Aah, I see you have the IKEA Norden dining table and the Ektorp sofa. And is that the Crate & Barrel desk in the corner there? We have it in cherry.” Add some truly unique touches to your interior landscape with eclectic wares from Los Gatos store Frank Interiors. From coffee tables made using funeral home coffin trolleys (or “church trucks” as they are dubbed) to vintage signs and retro neon lights, there’s nothing here that screams “chain furniture store” or “catalogue.” The store is also brimming with smaller scale items such as French hand-milled soaps, skull-shaped candles, quirky books and so much more. Frankly, it’s fabulous. And is sure to have your smart-aleck pals stumped as to where you found that amazing lamp.

Frank Interiors, 309 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos (408) 316-3329

Tools For Living At DWR Santana Row

Editor — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:15:51 +0000

Design Within Reach’s Santana Row design studio has extended its Tools for Living pop-up shop due to popular demand. Browse the company’s Tools for Living wares, which include great gift items such as modern design globes, office supplies, objects and much more. These items aare not usually stocked in the stores, so the pop-up store enables customers to actually see and feel the merchandise, as well as save money on shipping.

Design Within Reach, 3080 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste. 1010, San Jose (408) 261-8875 www.dwr.com

Handcrafted Furniture

Editor — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:22:04 +0000

Sure, anyone can walk into Ikea, purchase a bookcase or a dining room set, and call it good. But the older we get, the more and more we think about quality and purchasing pieces that we can pass down to our kids. Knowing our furniture is unique and handcrafted right here in the good ole USA is important to us too. Cottage Industries in Half Moon Bay offers full collections ranging from bedroom and dining room sets to entertainment and home office furniture, inspired by Shaker, Mission and European traditions. All pieces are made using time-honored techniques from sustainable harvested hardwoods such as Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Oak and North American White Pine. And, if for some reason you cannot find that perfect piece, Cottage Industries is more than happy to custom build it for you.

Cottage Industries, 621 Main St., Half Moon Bay (650) 712-8078 www.myhandmadehome.com

Do It Yourself

Editor — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:51:10 +0000

Getting tired of paying the “man” for your home repairs? Be your own man for a change, take matters into your own hands, learn something and save big bucks with The Sawdust Shop and the DIY (Do It Yourself) Academy. They offer a variety of hands-on workshops, where you can learn all about drywall, tiling, bathroom renovation, wood finishing, kitchen cabinet construction and all about turning wood.

The Sawdust Shop, 452 Oakmead Pkwy., Sunnyvale (408) 992-1004 www.sawdustshop.com

DIY Academy, 1244 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose (800) 381-4184 www.diyacademy.com

Palo Alto Adult School, www.paadultschool.org/classes/woodworking.html

Saving Water Pays Off

Editor — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:59:14 +0000

Want to save water and money? Of course you do. So we’ll let you in on a little secret that’s, well, not so secret. The Santa Clara County Water District is offering incentives for residents who opt for the likes of higher-efficiency washers and toilets and water softener replacements. Here’s just a few rebates offered to homeowners who want to make a difference and pocket a little extra cash. Pre-approval is required, so be sure to visit www.valleywater.org for more information.

Qualified water-efficient clothes washers purchased new, after January 1, 2009, at retail price: $125-$200 rebate
Replacing high water-use toilets that use 3.5 gallons per flush or more with a new high-efficiency toilet from approved list: up to $125 rebate
Purchase of a new demand initiated regeneration (DIR) water softener: $150 rebate
Landscape replacement (replacing high water-using plants with low-water using ones): $75-$150 per 100 sq. ft. rebate
Irrigation equipment upgrade: rebates vary

Bulbs Behind Bars

Editor — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:56:39 +0000

Add some zip to a bland home with nifty cage lamps from Diesel. These cool fixtures can be used as pendants or paired with a stand to give your room that complex, dramatic effect, paired with a simple, industrial, yet futuristic appearance. The entire line is available for purchase from select Diesel stores or online. The Work Lamp (pictured), made available from the lighting department of Design House Stockholm, can be purchased in two different shiny finishes – chrome or gold plate. We know you’re going to have to have one, so once you get it home, maximize appeal by hanging the cage lamp in an unexpected place, avoiding the traditional hallway or above-the-table look.

Diesel, 378 Santana Row, San Jose (408) 241-2355 www.diesel.com
Design House Stockholm www.designhousestockholm.com

Go Real This Christmas Season

Editor — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:44:13 +0000

Santa's Tree Farm

It’s the age-old question that plagues so many of us every December: to go fake, or not to go fake? We’re talking about good old-fashioned Christmas trees, of course. And we suggest to go REAL this year. Ditch the white artificial wannabe tree and get into some extra festive spirit by bringing home a fresh, green, pine-smelling Douglas fir or Sierra redwood. If you want to go the extra mile, consider chopping down your own. No, not a gigantic Chevy Chase-style tree, but one from the many nearby Christmas tree farms. Here’s a few to choose from:

Black Road Tree Farm, 20259 Black Rd., Los Gatos (408) 354-8472 www.christmas-tree-farms.com

Crest Ranch, 12500 Empire Grade Rd., Santa Cruz (831) 426-1522 www.crestranch.com

Frosty’s, 19965 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos (408) 395-3789 www.frostyschristmastreefarm.com

Patchen California, 22217 Old Santa Cruz Hwy., Los Gatos (408) 353-1615 www.patchencalifornia.com

Santa’s Tree Farm, 78 Pilarcitos Creek Rd., Half Moon Bay (650) 726- 2246 www.santastreefarm.com

Top 7 Green Things To Do RIGHT NOW

Editor — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:42:49 +0000

Change light bulbs. ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs are ideal as they use 75 percent less energy.
Install a low-flow shower head. Go to any local hardware or plumbing store. They’ll know what we’re talking about.
Collect rain water. No, not with your mouth, silly. Rather, use a bucket, a barrel or a super-cool harvesting system. Use the extra water to wash your car, irrigate your garden, flush your toilet, bathe… Hey, we’re not going to judge.
If you’re not using your computer, or any electronics for that matter, turn them off and/or unplug them.
Plant a tree. Not only are they pretty, but they suck up loads of carbon dioxide. While you’re at it, use that collected rain water to feed it!
Air dry your clothes. Not only will it save you some bucks and energy, but it’s totally retro and therefore, cool.
Recycle. Duh.

Outside Heating

Editor — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:40:39 +0000

Outside Heating, by Chris Schmauch

It’s natural to be drawn to the cozy warmth of heaters and fireplaces inside as the weather cools off. But now, with numerous outside heating options available, the outdoorsy folk can still enjoy patios and backyards during the chilly season. Choose from a variety of gas, propane, fan-forced and electric infrared heaters specifically tailored for patios. Interested in roasting s’mores? Opt for an outdoor fire pit instead (or in addition to!), and begin your backyard camping retreat. Where to find: