http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/-t1.htm Tips on gardening, remodeling, decorating, ect. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:52:45 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/get-your-fix-t18044.htm Outspoken Get Your Fix Brick Store Museum plays host to a daylong event dedicated to helping people preserve their vintage lighting, old photos and other belongings that will last longer with a little TLC. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Preservation, if you think about it, is a pretty diverse field. Often, it's talked about in a big-picture way, like the historic preservation of a grand 200-year-old home. And that might overwhelm some people who think they don't have ... Hobby Corner Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:52:45 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/get-your-fix-t18044.htm#21236 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/get-your-fix-t18044.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/artfully-done-t17796.htm Outspoken Artfully done Working artists, many from Maine, share stories of inspiration from the garden. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald So what can a gardener learn from an artist? Well, the first thing, says painter Ann Stein-Aaron of Cushing, is that anyone who gardens is already an artist. "You're moving things around, working with colors, working on the visual presentation," Stein-Aaron said. "I like to give the viewer lots of lush color and ... Hobby Corner Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:31:42 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/artfully-done-t17796.htm#20945 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/artfully-done-t17796.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/bawk-this-way-t17546.htm Outspoken Bawk this way More communities are allowing residents to raise chickens. Interested? Here's how. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald There are some aspects of raising chickens that are easy to explain, like the fact that they need food, water and shelter. Then there are other aspects one actually has to live with to fully appreciate. "They really are poop machines. So keeping the coop clean, as it relates to the health of the animal, is probably the ... Hobby Corner Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:39:55 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/bawk-this-way-t17546.htm#20658 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/bawk-this-way-t17546.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handyman-specials-t17247.htm Outspoken Handyman Specials Mainers with the money might consider making home improvements now, when many in the building trades are offering bargain-basement prices to drum up work. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald If you have money to spend on home improvements right now, you may just find a very good deal. Carpenters, contractors and handymen all over Maine are looking for jobs and are willing to cut prices to get them. Because of a perfect storm of circumstances ... Hobby Corner Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:53:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handyman-specials-t17247.htm#20315 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handyman-specials-t17247.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/plugged-in-don-t-forget-t16410.htm Outspoken Plugged in. (don't forget) Sure, heating costs pack the most punch, but consumers should consider that home appliances take a bite from the energy dollar, too. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Electricity is sort of a poor relation when it comes to saving money on energy. This time of year there's a lot of talk about ways to heat your home more efficiently, to lower that whopping heating bill most of us pay. But ... Hobby Corner Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:05:07 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/plugged-in-don-t-forget-t16410.htm#19367 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/plugged-in-don-t-forget-t16410.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/stain-remedies-for-the-holidays-t16091.htm Outspoken Stain remedies for the holidays Say goodbye to those stubborn spills that have made a mess on your best. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Holiday dinners are often a gift that keeps on giving. And not in a good way. We're talking, of course, about the stains. Gravy smears that won't leave your white shirt after one or two washings. Cranberry sauce and blueberry pie becoming permanent color additions to your khaki pants. And the eggnog that might live ... Hobby Corner Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:15:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/stain-remedies-for-the-holidays-t16091.htm#18989 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/stain-remedies-for-the-holidays-t16091.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/up-on-the-housetop-t15891.htm Outspoken Up on the housetop Snow and freezing temperatures can do a number on your roof. Here's what you can do now to lessen the likelihood of big problems later this winter. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Ever wonder what you can do if your roof starts leaking in the middle of a frigid Maine winter? The short answer is, not much. The long answer is that it's probably a better idea to starting taking roof-saving measures before the snow and ice are 6 feet thick. "If ... Hobby Corner Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:31:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/up-on-the-housetop-t15891.htm#18759 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/up-on-the-housetop-t15891.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handmade-gift-giving-a-holiday-trend-t15632.htm Outspoken Handmade gift-giving a holiday trend By Ardeana Hamlin Staff Writer Bangor Daily News Look for the bargains, trim the list, or make it yourself. Those are choices consumers are weighing during this holiday season of gift giving in uncertain economic times. “People are going the old-fashioned way [this year],” said Shirley Jones, owner of Shirley’s Yarns and Crafts in Hancock. She said her customers are knitting and crocheting sweaters, hats, scarves and socks of natural fibers ... Hobby Corner Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:59:27 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handmade-gift-giving-a-holiday-trend-t15632.htm#18458 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/handmade-gift-giving-a-holiday-trend-t15632.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/scoop-lift-push-pull-and-go-t15437.htm Outspoken Scoop, lift, push, pull and go! The latest gadgets for removing snow are easy to use and easier on you. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Winter is just about here, bringing with it an array of sights, smells and sounds. The sight of your car buried in a 10-foot snowdrift. The smell of your snowblower's exhaust fumes being wind-whipped into your face. The sound of creaking backs everywhere, trying to shovel out from under. OK, so those aren't the sights, ... Hobby Corner Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:51:18 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/scoop-lift-push-pull-and-go-t15437.htm#18238 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/scoop-lift-push-pull-and-go-t15437.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/easy-does-it-t15214.htm Outspoken Easy does it You don't have to kill yourself or spend a ton of cash decorating for the holidays. There's plenty of 'wow' where festive and frugal meet – now here's how. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Most years, the sparkle and twinkle of home holiday decorations is accompanied by the clink and cha-ching of a chorus of cash registers. That's because decorating your house for the holidays can be an expensive proposition. But this year, for sure, people ... Hobby Corner Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:31:53 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/easy-does-it-t15214.htm#17989 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/easy-does-it-t15214.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/low-on-cash-diyers-go-handmade-for-the-holidays-t14966.htm Outspoken Low on cash, DIYers go handmade for the holidays BY ASHLEY M. HEHER Morning Sentinel CHICAGO -- Since high school, Arielle Napier has occasionally made items like a bed-sized quilt or belts as Christmas presents for friends. This year, staring down a bleaker-than-ever economy, the 27-year-old is forgoing store-bought gifts entirely and giving friends and family everything from her own photography to handmade hats. In doing so, Napier's joining a small-but-growing chorus of ... Hobby Corner Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:15:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/low-on-cash-diyers-go-handmade-for-the-holidays-t14966.htm#17709 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/low-on-cash-diyers-go-handmade-for-the-holidays-t14966.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/feeding-the-birds-has-an-impact-on-their-reproduction-t14934.htm Outspoken Feeding the birds has an impact on their reproduction By HERB WILSON Morning Sentinel Feeding the birds is an activity that has increased greatly in the past 40 years. In the United States, 43 percent of households maintain bird feeders. In the United Kingdom, bird feeding is even more popular; 75 percent of households there feed the birds. Homeowners in the United States and the United Kingdom purchase 500,000 tons of birdseed each year. This bounty is enough to support 300 million ... Hobby Corner Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:14:14 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/feeding-the-birds-has-an-impact-on-their-reproduction-t14934.htm#17656 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/feeding-the-birds-has-an-impact-on-their-reproduction-t14934.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/fine-feathered-friendly-t14754.htm Outspoken Fine Feathered Friendly Making your backyard attractive to birds can be as simple as A, B, seed. (Water and shelter help, too.) By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald If you were to tell Eddie Woodin his home is for the birds, he'd be very pleased. That's because Woodin, a lifelong bird enthusiast, has spent lots of time and money turning his two-acre property in Scarborough into the kind of place that attracts lots and lots of birds. He's got plenty of feeders, ... Hobby Corner Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:00:09 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/fine-feathered-friendly-t14754.htm#17458 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/fine-feathered-friendly-t14754.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/vintage-colors-for-the-home-t14539.htm Outspoken Vintage colors for the home Historic palettes add appeal, authenticity to period homes. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Some people work hard to preserve their old house as authentically as possible, researching exactly what colors would have been used on their style of house, if not the house itself. Other people just like old colors. “Often, historic colors are more timeless, and a lot of them are earthier and look well in ourMaine light,” said Joy Knight, a ... Hobby Corner Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:08:24 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/vintage-colors-for-the-home-t14539.htm#17203 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/vintage-colors-for-the-home-t14539.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/looking-at-books-as-art-t14388.htm Outspoken Looking at books as art The new Kate Cheney Chappell Center is offering a program on how to make the wood-covered creations. By MELANIE CREAMER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Kate Cheney Chappell is drawn to the open-endedness of the possibility. A co-founder of Tom's of Maine, Chappell describes herself as an artist, painter and printmaker, who has been feeding on her passion for creating handmade books. She recently awarded a grant to the University of Southern ... Hobby Corner Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:01:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/looking-at-books-as-art-t14388.htm#17026 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/looking-at-books-as-art-t14388.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/many-happy-returns-t14287.htm Outspoken Many happy returns Forget Super Bowl and the Oscars, some Mainers plan election night parties to watch the results roll in – they hope in favor of the candidate of their choice. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald One of our most beloved traditions as Americans is to gather around the TV with friends and family and yell our lungs out for somebody on TV to win something. We do it for the Super Bowl. We do it for Oscar night. So why not election night? Election ... Hobby Corner Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:43:17 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/many-happy-returns-t14287.htm#16911 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/many-happy-returns-t14287.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/orange-aid-t14024.htm Outspoken ORANGE AID This Halloween, want to carve your pumpkins with a little more panache? From workshops to Web sites, there's lots of help available. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald A man sits at a kitchen table. Suddenly, he grabs for a long knife and begins hacking away. A scream pierces the air. Then silence. Then this: "Aw, Dad, you wrecked the pumpkin." Yes, sometimes carving the family jack-o'-lantern can turn into a real horror story. Unless ... Hobby Corner Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:35:10 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/orange-aid-t14024.htm#16621 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/orange-aid-t14024.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/cool-weather-tools-t13809.htm Outspoken Cool Weather Tools From 'hand extenders' to rolling leaf sweepers, there are lots of items available to help with fall cleanup that won't break the bank – or your back. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald One of the great things about living in Maine is knowing it's all right to let practicality trump looks every time. That's why, as fall leaves begin to bury your lawn and yard, it's perfectly fine to go around with giant green plastic claws on your hands. Yes, ... Hobby Corner Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:16:40 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/cool-weather-tools-t13809.htm#16379 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/cool-weather-tools-t13809.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/starry-eyed-t13580.htm Outspoken STARRY-EYED See the universe from your backyard By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Backyard astronomy, it might surprise you to know, can be a pretty low-cost hobby. "You don't really need any equipment. Just check the weather for a clear night, take a star chart (from www.pressherald.com's Outdoors section) and go outside and match it up with what's in the sky," said Kirk Rogers, an astronomy buff from Portland who rehabs subsidized housing complexes. ... Hobby Corner Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:56:37 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/starry-eyed-t13580.htm#16123 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/starry-eyed-t13580.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/ready-for-winter-t13353.htm Outspoken READY FOR WINTER? Paying attention to small problems in your home now can conserve a lot of energy – and cash – later. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald Bundle up, it's cold outside. We hear that a lot during Maine winters. Usually the comments are directed to us humans, but the phrase can just as easily be applied to our houses. Especially this coming winter. With heating costs soaring, the most important winter prep work you can do are those jobs that ... Hobby Corner Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:24:23 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/ready-for-winter-t13353.htm#15870 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/ready-for-winter-t13353.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/rocky-renovation-t12908.htm Outspoken Rocky renovation As awful as the delays, extra expenses and an occasional fire can be, with vigilance the remodeling project will get completed. By ELIZABETH WEBSTER For the Maine Sunday Telegram Ann-Marie Rosenfield, a real estate agent, didn't revel in her recent home renovations. With good reasons and recurring flashbacks to the home-improvement-gone-bad movie, "The Money Pit." First, there were the 8-foot-high flames shooting out of the dumpster placed "too ... Hobby Corner Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:58:30 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/rocky-renovation-t12908.htm#15375 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/rocky-renovation-t12908.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/landscape-goes-green-in-several-directions-t12907.htm Outspoken Landscape goes green in several directions Your trees and other plants can help you save energy in the home. By KATE O'HALLORAN For the Maine Snday Telegram These days, everyone is talking about "going green." With energy awareness increasing and energy costs rising steadily, using less energy is good for the budget as well as the planet. Where better to start than in the greenest part of your home – the garden? Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or ... Hobby Corner Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:53:56 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/landscape-goes-green-in-several-directions-t12907.htm#15374 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/landscape-goes-green-in-several-directions-t12907.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/higher-energy-prices-make-audit-a-smart-choice-t12906.htm Outspoken Higher energy prices make audit a smart choice The price is $300 to $500, but suggestions can result in substantial savings. By LLOYD FERRISS For the Maine Sunday Telegram Before the energy crisis – before oil shot up to $3.94 per gallon and a cord of seasoned firewood climbed to a record $300 – preparing for winter was simple. You had your boiler or furnace serviced, then went through a checklist of house-tightening improvements. The fall checklist is still ... Hobby Corner Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:47:26 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/higher-energy-prices-make-audit-a-smart-choice-t12906.htm#15372 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/higher-energy-prices-make-audit-a-smart-choice-t12906.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/think-spring-t12617.htm Outspoken Think spring Plant bulbs in fall to bloom as winter wanes. By RAY ROUTHIER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald When Terry Skillin meets somebody who's having garden withdrawal this time of the year, he has two words for them: Plant bulbs. Sure, you could do some fall garden cleanup and get your gardening fix that way. But if you want the real fun of gardening - the planting and designing of flower beds - planting bulbs now that will pop with bursts of color in early spring ... Hobby Corner Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:11:37 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/think-spring-t12617.htm#15051 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/think-spring-t12617.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/kale-to-the-chief-scarborough-man-says-well-why-not-t12616.htm Outspoken Kale to the chief? Scarborough man says well, why not? Roger Doiron and others want the next president to bring gardening back to the White House lawn. By VIRGINIA A. SMITH McClatchy Newspapers Roger Doiron has an idea for the next president: Bring back the victory garden! He wants the next resident of the White House to plant an organic vegetable garden on the front lawn, one that would supply fresh produce to the first family and local food cupboards; set an example of ... Hobby Corner Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:06:37 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/kale-to-the-chief-scarborough-man-says-well-why-not-t12616.htm#15050 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/hobby-corner-f24/kale-to-the-chief-scarborough-man-says-well-why-not-t12616.htm