There are benefits in attending to area creeks

Dear Sandi: I was one of the people who stopped by your place last week when you were having some type of dedication ceremony, and I saw the big trucks and heavy equipment. Someone said you were widening the creek.
I have enjoyed walking through your gardens a few times this summer and would like to know what you are planning next.

—Curious Carol, Salem - October 14, 2005 - Real Living

Covering walls with paper expands options

Dear Sandi: I am getting ready to re-do our dining room, and I understand that it is possible to use handmade paper for wall covering. I would like to have more information on the “hows” of this. Any tips or ideas will be appreciated.

— Loren P. Salem - October 7, 2005 - Real Living

Sewing isn’t limited to fabric — try using paper

Dear Sandi: I have been saving old bottles in interesting shapes for some time now, and I would love some ideas on something decorative that I could do with them.

—Jennifer K. R., Salem - September 2, 2005 - Real Living

Concrete beds can be used to your benefit

Dear Sandi: We recently moved into a house that has a number of landscaping challenges. Next to the driveway, the former owners had a short cement wall built to act as a retaining wall for a raised planting bed for vegetables. The problem is it is very inconvenient to maintain, and of course, in the winter, it is going to look particularly bad. What can we do that would be easy to take care of and still look presentable?

— Pamela L. Salem - September 23, 2005 - Real Living

Workspace decorations should bring inspiration

I really want my room to be a fun and stimulating place for me to work in. What would you suggest?


——Dwila Y., Salem - September 16, 2005 - Real Living

Decorative touches give old bottles new life

Dear Sandi: I have been saving old bottles in interesting shapes for some time now, and I would love some ideas on something decorative that I could do with them.

—Jennifer K. R., Salem - September 2, 2005 - Real Living

Paper-covered vases trade flowers for light

Dear Sandi: A friend of mine said she saw you turn a glass vase into a lamp. I have a large vase that belonged to my husband’s mother, and I think that it might work for this.

—Marty D., Salem - August 26, 2005 - Real Living

Several plants can help create a tropical feel

Dear Sandi: I was at your store last week, and the first thing I saw, near your front door, was how tropical it looks. I almost thought I was in Hawaii or someplace other than Salem. Can you give me a few pointers on how you have achieved this look?

—Tamara K., Salem - August 19, 2005 - Real Living

Trade shows give peek into upcoming trends

Twice a year, once in April, then again in October, the huge trade show for the furniture, home furnishings and design trades is held in High Point, North Carolina.

Loose Ends has a permanent space in this show, and it always is exciting to see what trends are going to be shown by the major “movers and shakers” in the business.

—Sandi Reinke, Salem - August 12, 2005 - Real Living

Gathering, drying seaweed worth the work

Dear Sandi: I was at your free demo a couple of weeks ago, and you were showing us how to put dried seaweed on windows. I understand the window process now, but I don’t think I have enough information on how and what type of seaweed to dry. Could I please have more information on that? Thanks.

—Lillian N. Salem - August 5, 2005 - Real Living