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Home Made Easy – Episode 3

Posted By anele On In DIY,Home Made Easy,Newsletter,Projects | Comments Disabled

In episode 3 of Home Made Easy we take things down to ground level… Pathways, stepping blocks and painted rugs…

Part 1 – Gardening

Walkways or pathways play a crucial role when it comes to guiding you and your guests around your home. When it is time to select what you will be walking on, the options are abundant:

  • Lawn
  • Paving blocks
  • Slate
  • Gravel
  • Bricks
  • Concrete
Tanya’s favourite walkway plants: [1]
[2]

Ferns
[3]

Bromeliad
[4]

Ferns
[5]

Peperomias
[6]

Blechnum gibbum
[7]

Ferns


Interesting things to plant between stepping blocks:

  • Mondo Grass (“Kyoto Dwarf”)
  • Herbs
Tanya’s forgotten walkway revamp [1]
[8]

Walkway Before
[9]

Walkway After

Materials

Steps
  • Compost
  • Bone meal
  • Shade Loving Plants
    • Bromeliad (variegated)
    • Peperomia
    • Ferns
    • Blechnum gibbum (Brazilian tree fern / dwarf fern)
  1. Dig a hole large enough for the relevant plant.
  2. Add a spade or two of good quality compost.
  3. Add a hand full of bone meal for good root development.
  4. Place plant in relevant hole and firm into place using the dugout soil.
  5. To finish off, add a layer of mulch (leaves, bark, etc) and water.
Watch the video [1]

Part 2 – DIY

If you are looking to add a personal touch to your outdoor pathways, creating your own custom designed concrete stepping blocks is a must.

Custom Designed Stepping Blocks [1]

[10] [11]

Materials

  • Rubber mats
  • Plastic or metal bowl
  • Non-stick agent
  • Trowel
  • Rapid set cement
  • Water
  • Protective gear (goggles, gloves and a mask)
  • Scissors or cutters

Steps:

  1. Place the rubber mat over the mould that you will be using (plastic or metal bowl), and draw out where you will be cutting, using a piece of chalk.
  2. Cut out the piece of rubber mat that will be used as your imprint.
  3. Use the non-stick spray on both the mould and the rubber mat.
  4. Mix the rapid set cement as per product instructions.
  5. Scoop the cement mixture into your mould.
  6. Place the rubber mat cut-out on top of the cement and lightly press to allow the pattern to transfer onto the cement.
  7. Leave the cement to cure for the indicated time period.
  8. Once the cement has cured, simply remove the rubber mat to reveal your custom designed stepping block.
  9. Remove the cement block from the mould and use a medium grit sand paper to remove any sharp or uneven edges.
Watch the video [1]

Part 3 – Décor

If you thought chalk paint was only suitable for walls and furniture, then prepare to make a mind shift, as it can also be used to bring

Elle’s Painted rug DIY [1]
[12] [13] [14]


Materials

  • Rug/Carpet
  • Chalk Paint
  • Brush / Sponge Roller
  • Drop Sheet
  • Masking Tape

Steps:

  1. Start by masking out the sections you DO NOT want painted.
  2. Once the masking tape is firmly in place, use a paint brush or roller and start applying a light coat of chalk paint. Depending on the look you’re going for, wait a few minutes for the first coat to dry and apply a second coat of paint.
  3. To add to the longevity of the chalk paint, add a coat of chalk paint wax over the painted sections.
  4. Remove the masking tape and reveal your striking new carpet/rug!
Stencilled welcome mat: [1]
[15] [16]

Materials

  • Welcome mat
  • Stencils
  • Chalk paint
  • Masking Tape
  • Newspaper

Steps:

  1. Start by laying out your stencils.
  2. Secure the stencils in place by using masking tape and cover the areas you don’t want painted with old newspaper.
  3. Apply two coats of chalk paint to the exposed areas of the mat.
  4. Remove the newspaper, masking tape and stencils to reveal your new welcome mat!
Watch the video [1]

Helpful Hints:

Interesting things to plant between stepping blocks: