Buying a New Lampshade? Remove the cellophane wrapping when you get it home; it's not permanent. It's meant to protect the shade at the store and during transportation. If you leave it on, it can cause discoloration and shrinkage.

October Planning Ahead

It's hard to get anywhere if you don't know where you are going. Having a plan is essential to success in home repair and remodeling. Planning for future work is a broad topic, but it boils down to information gathering.

Start your "information gathering" by talking to those who would be directly involved in the project. Talk to friends and others who may have done a similar project. Consult periodicals. Check EMAZING.com for tips. And don't forget design professionals...their advice can be well worth whatever fee they charge for it. Finally, think about current needs and possible future needs.

- Stephen Corwin

-- Anonymous, October 08, 2001