It's not in the blog post, but weathering over the summer faded some of my burned lines. (Mineral oil does not protect against the elements.) Because of this, I did go back and re-burn the faded areas with a professional-grade burner. I then used a satin poly spray (Rustolium brand) to protect the outside. I left the inside alone to avoid fumes or smells that might repel or harm the toads.

Also, I now skip the guide holes as they create uneven lines when sawing. Instead, I use a regular craft knife (Xacto) blade inserted into the gourd, making it wide enough to fit the saw blade.

the theory, I asked our lovely facebook followers their favorite method. Well, pretty much everyone said either using a wet towel and an iron ( which wrecks both the iron and towel) OR use a heat gun - (which would then have the fumes from the adhesive floating up in your face - or house and then requires use of masks and such) SO Here you go. Very easy - SOAK a towel so it is dripping wet in a mixture of half water and half vinegar. Place it on the veneer. Have a girls night out and let it soak over night. Make sure it is SOAKING wet. I even went back later and used a water bottle and just poured it right onto the towel to make sure it was soaked! Come back in the morning and use a putty knife or chisel and it will peel up like butter! #StrippingVeneer

To see more creative ways to tackle repurposing projects - visit us at http://www.facebook.com/gypsybarn

or do I use a reg. drill and special bit? Should I drill from the unglazed inside to out or vice versa? They are pre-drilled for attaching.

brunnera, carpet bugle, epimedium and bishop's weed are doing well there, but I'm looking for more. I was happy to recently discover HGTVGardens.com and their plant finder tool which is easy to use and has specific information on which plants will do best in whatever conditions I enter. (Of course there's lots of other things on the site like tips, landscape ideas and photos from gardeners all over the country, in addition to a whole farm-to-table section! But oh, man, is the plant finder tool fun!)

And I found three new plants for dry shade to look for: foamflower, saxifrage, and wild petunia. Now, I just have to find where to buy them!

#spon

already have, the right tool for the job will save you time, effort and backaches. Here are 6 valuable garden tools that you won't want to do without.