LIBRARIES
AND BOOKSTORES
How-to books
Look for reliable publishers and check out
books on projects.
Magazine
articles
Find
titles you trust and skim articles for ideas. Check out or purchase
publications that offer specific projects or techniques you plan to
incorporate.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Lectures
Watch
newspapers for announcements about visiting authors. Attend their lectures to
gather information and advice on how-to and decorating topics.
Internet
access
Libraries usually provide free Internet accessory decoration on classes. Through the colleges and kills master other How-to-
all for very little money. t with the Teachers are after class to instructing.
Additional insiders glean tips and ideas.
Other
students
You
may find some students who knowledgeable about are Have your topic of interest,
a cup of coffee with a few good prospects and ideas. Discover some D Helpful
texts. The books that instructors choose to augment their courses be affordable
and may, to worthwhile additions your do-it-yourself library, high-speed lines.
If you don't have a home computer or have a slower dial- up connection, a visit
to the library can kick your online research or purchasing into high gear.
Videos/software
Libraries often have extensive how-to video
and software collections.
Fabric
STORES and match. Need help combining various fabrics, Prints? For many colors,
a fabric store employees, matching fabrics mixing is second nature.
Fabric
selection
Ask
the employees to help you’re window treatments or you for the sturdiest buys upholstery
projects.
INTERNET HELPERS
Teens
and college students
Young people need jobs; you need help. Strike
a bargain and gain a helper.
Trade with neighbors
Help
your neighbors paint; maybe they'll help you install tile. o Have a party. Invite a
group of friends to a painting party. Feed them well. o Barter with a pro. For
example, if you don't own the tools to build helves but have sewing skills,
make a deal with a carpenter who needs slipcovers.
Pins
or sales
Employees
Barg
in can point out good buys bargain bins and tell you the will be when the next sale.
Fabric
stores often the latest in turns, have Seek to •bins, and buttons. P TI to find
out store employees what’s new. The fabric store can't sew is still the place
to go. Ask employees now to adapt you’re to no-sew projects.
Ideas
Do-it-yourself
websites, personal home pages, and message boards
The
Internet overflows with information on decorating projects and techniques. Read
from a variety of sources and be on the alert for misinformation.
Associations
Go to association websites, such as for heet
goods manufacturers, to access an abundance of quality how-to information.
Manufacturers
Their websites often feature tips on selecting
and using products. Many manufacturer websites now include calculators to
figure how much of a material you need; they may also feature interactive
mini-programs that let you paint a room, try out new flooring, and do other
virtual makeovers.
Retailers
Retailers
sometimes offer online articles that serve up great decorating ideas. Seasonal and
online-only sales are available around-the-clock. o Magazine- and
book-related web pages. Your favorite magazines and book publihers often have
complementary websites to augment the advice and projects offered in their
printed publications. Bargains aplenty are out there if you know where to look.
Often hunting down supplies, materials, and other elements for your makeover,
consider the following resources and tips.
Thrift
Stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, and a variety of local outlets provide a
wealth of used items at great prices.) WHY: These stores offer some of the most
fun and rewarding shopping experiences around.
TIPS: Visit often to check for newly stocked
items, such as upholstered pieces that are ready to slipcover and coffee
tables, end tables, and dining chairs that are ready to paint. WHERE:
Flea Markets WHY: Flea markets are often vast and crowded; however, the
bargains lurking there make the hunt worthwhile. TIPS: Visit flea markets to
find unusual accessories, furnishings, and vintage linens and fabric remnants. Learn how
to negotiate prices with vendors. Ask politely, "Is this your best
price?" or "Could you do better on this price for me?" With this
approach you'll likely receive a lower price. Learn
to let go. If you can't get a great deal on a particular item, let it go. In
most cases something equally good-if not better-will Always keep your eyes open
for a great buy.
You never know when you'll encounter a
sidewalk, garage, or warehouse sale. Turn up at another booth or flea market. Bring supplies with you. If possible bring
along strong canvas or plastic shopping bags to carry all your purchases. -Plan
your transportation. Travel to flea markets in a vehicle large enough to carry
your purchases home. If you don't own a van or truck (and don't want to rent
one), ask a dealer who won't budge on price if you can get free delivery or shipping.
Bargain with a buddy.
Sometimes
dealers will give you a better deal on an item if you and your friend purchase
multiple items from their booths, especially if the two of you pay with one check
or credit card. WHERE: Damaged Freight Area WHY: Some home centers, furniture
stores, and appliance outlets (as well as other types of specialty stores)
offer damaged freight at reduced prices.
TIPS:
Call around. Save gas money and time by using the phone to find out which
stores in your area sell damaged freight. Patience is a virtue. Be willing to sort through
a stack of sinks, layers of counter tops, boxes of ceramic tiles, or dozens of
doors, for example, and you may find what you want with only minor damage that's
nearly invisible-for 50 to 75 percent off the retail price.
