mothers of invention
by sandy mcCall

Sometime ago, I purchased a wooden, hutch-style, put-it-together-yourself thing from Lowes. Recently I made it into something I could actually use. I transformed it into a potting hutch and the materials only cost about $60 using paint and screws I already had around the house.
(Project alternatives below.)

I get a chuckle from putting things together by using directions that include words from other languages, or incomplete instructions. Maybe that is why my wasband* used to throw the instructions away before he began. Gives me a good opportunity to think for myself, but this time I did my best to follow the directions and I added a little reinforcement to make the piece stronger.

I started by eyeballing, measuring and cutting an 8x11 hole in the top of the new working surface with my power jig saw (easy to use—slow moving, not so intimidating), or you can use a hacksaw, cost about $5. I reinforced around the hole from underneath by screwing in a couple of wooden strips. Always a challenge to choose screws that are the right length for the job, but I save and use old screws, so I usually find one that works.

Prior to deciding on the hole size, I looked around the house for a plastic container to fit under the hole—it ended up being one of those containers that holds file folders. I cut the hole a little smaller than the container and made sure the container would sit on the shelf below to catch the dirt from my repotting. I added a drop leaf shelf to the front to give a little more work surface. In hindsight, I would make it a permanent addition instead of hinging it. I gave the entire piece a good coat of weather resistant paint for protection since it lives on my covered porch.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn how to do a little inexpensive tile work. Time to get out the handywoman's book and see what's needed—tile, mortar, grout, trowel (or an old spatula might work), cutting tool and a good measuring tape. I measured the space remaining around the hole on the work surface and purchased small white inexpensive tiles and a larger decorative tile for the center. I bought a tile cutter for about $18 and figured it could be used for other projects. I learned that small tiles are harder to cut than large ones and I broke a few in the process—no big loss. (I have a dream that someday I will make handmade tiles for my kitchen counters . . . I bought the kiln but my workspace—the back porch—isn't quite right, and then there's the time factor. What's the worst thing that will happen??? I will sell the kiln and buy the tile.)

So I measured and cut the tiles and found that laying them out on the area and numbering them helped me to have a plan. Time to mix and spread the mortar, an easy job…instructions on the box. Mortar acts as an adhesive between the tile and the surface. I placed each numbered tile in its spot on the mortar—you'll have time to adjust them. You can buy small plastic spacers to make it easier to lay out the tiles evenly.

I used white grout since it was inexpensive and matched my tile, although you can choose colors for tile and grout. Grout is the cement-like stuff that goes between the tiles. The grout was easy to apply, it's just important to get it in between each tile and I used it along the outside edges as well. Since this piece would be a work area, I didn't spend money on trim tile. The grout box will give detailed instructions as to how to apply, clean and waterproof the tile surface. (Pay attention to the drying time on the mortar and grout.)

If you don’t want to buy the pre-made thing, be creative: cut a hole in the top of an old chest of drawers with a deep drawer to hold a plastic dishpan to catch dirt. Or use an old kitchen cabinet or bathroom vanity by adding a plywood top (tiled or not) with a tall trash can underneath to catch the dirt. You can purchase a plastic utility sink with legs for $18 and add a plywood top with hole for a small work surface. Using your imagination is the key!

I added potting soil to a very large plastic container that I already had and it sits next to the potting table. The extra shelves hold empty pots, tools, fertilizer and junk. You might try doing mosaic from broken dishes on your surface instead of tiles—the process is about the same, although the finished surface may be uneven. I use the potting hutch for quick repotting jobs in the winter too. My orchids are clustered there now so that I can admire them through my back door. Add a bird feeder and/or a whiskey-barrel fountain and it makes a pretty sight on summer morns.

I recently purchased a book on building birdhouses and I am hoping to transform some of the plans into feeders as well. If you are interested in how to make a porch fountain by using a half-whiskey barrel, or maybe a hummingbird feeder from a hanging wine rack and old wine bottles, write to me. Lexie, the manager of The Natural Home, gave me the idea for the hummingbird feeder. Thanks Lexie.

Diane, thanks for letting me bathroom-brainstorm with you, it was fun!!! I also want to thank the many folks who emailed me and contacted me by phone after my first column in the July issue. It is so nice to know that you are enjoying my efforts and I look forward to hearing from others in the future. This has already been a wonderful new experience for me. . . Gratitude.

E-mail me at sandy@wnc-woman.com or mail questions and pictures to Sandy McCall, P.O. Box 1332, Mars Hill, NC 28754 and I will share my ideas with you and other readers in a month to follow.

HOME BUYING AND SELLING TIP: The standard Offer to Purchase and Contract states in part that certain things are considered fixtures including blinds, shades, rods & brackets, wall/door mirrors & any other item attached or affixed to the property. Buyers and Sellers will need to be clear about exceptions to the rule.

Sandy McCall is a real estate broker with Appalachian Realty Associates and enjoys the mountain life in a recreated log cabin near the Appalachian Trail with her four-legged and finned kids, Cooper, Moondoggie, Zipper, Rosemary and Salena. She is also the mother of three human daughters, Kerri, Kelly and Nancy, grandmother to many and a former foster parent.
[ sandy@wnc-woman.com ]